Founded in 1969 as the New Jersey Marine Sciences Consortium, the organization has contributed leading research in the field of marine and environmental science. Since 1976 it has managed the New Jersey Sea Grant Program (NJSG), part of a national effort that funds competitive research focusing on specific priority areas. In recognition of its academic and scientific achievements, the Consortium was awarded Sea Grant College status in 1989.

The Consortium provides equal opportunity for all New Jersey students and citizens to learn about the marine environment. Curricula range from Pre-K through graduate level studies. Nearly 30,000 participants, students, their families, teachers, Scouts and the general public take part annually in the Consortium’s education programs and special events.

For more than 40 years, the Consortium has served the state and the region by developing programs designed to resolve coastal issues, develop marine technology, formulate science-based policy, and improve science literacy among its citizens.